2011 NFL MOCK DRAFT – ROUND 1 (12/4/2010)
#1 Pick: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford Team: Carolina
Analysis: NO brainer pick here! Luck is a legitmate franchise signal caller, and with Clausen struggling, Carolina would be stupid not to pull the trigger. One scenario I see, is Clausen getting some support with AJ Green being drafted, by Carolina moving out of the first overall pick.
Optional Picks:
– Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama (If someone falls in love with Luck and trade into the #1 spot, Carolina would be hard to pass up on this stud);
– AJ Green, WR, Georgia (Some of the hit against Clausen is he doesn’t have anyone to throw too, and Green seems to be the best WR prospect since Megatron and Randy Moss).
Team Needs: QB, WR, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Jimmy Clausen (2nd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: C)
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#2 Pick: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson Team: Cincinnati
Analysis: Although Carlos Dunlap has been improving late in the 2010 season, the pass rush of Cincinnati is horrendous, and adding a true beast like Bowers would be a huge upgrade. Bowers struggled his first two years, but this year has made a living in the backfield of opponents. Huge player, that looks like a freak on paper, AND on the field.
Optional Picks:
– AJ Green, WR, Georgia (With OchoCinco and TO both aging, snagging a potential HOF WR would be smart);
– Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (Here is a sleeper pick, but I really feel Cincy needs a pass rushing DE, and they don’t have a problem with character issues… Quinn is an extremely fast big man)
Team Needs: DE, OL, QB
2010 Rd1 pick: Jermaine Gresham (21st pick) (Grade: B)
#3 Pick: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn Team: Buffalo
Analysis: I think Buffalo goes with a freak of a big man, in Fairley. Fairley can not only play in a 4-3, but also a 3-4 base defense, since Buffalo cant seem to make up their mind. If not, they could very well trade up to try to go after Andrew Luck, because Buffalo desperately needs a franchise quarterback. I also see Buffalo trading out of this pick, down to the 10-20 round to get one of the top tier OT in this years draft since they passed on that early last year also.
Optional Picks:
– Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford (Trading up for Luck would not be a bad decision);
– Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama (Depending on how the combine pans out, Dareus could be the guy Buffalo likes more than Fairley to upgrade their defensive line)
Team Needs: QB, OL, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: C.J. Spiller (9th pick) (Grade: A-)
#4 Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU Team: Detroit
Analysis: Great pick here for the GM of the Lions, not only does he fill a need in the secondary, but grabs one of the few corners ever to be justified going in the top 5 picks. Big and strong, Peterson will immediately help the Detroit secondary, and can help with kick/punt returns and special teams.
Optional Picks:
– Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska (sleeper pick being that Prince probably shouldn’t be in the top 10, but Detroit needs a top corner SO badly, that if they cant trade out of their pick, and cant get Peterson, they will have to consider Prince);
– Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (VanderBosch is not getting younger, and grabbing Quinn, next to Suh, would give Detroit one of the nastiest DL’s in the league for years to come).
Team Needs: DE, CB, Safety
2010 Rd1 pick: Ndamukong Suh (2nd pick) (Grade: A)
#5 Pick: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama Team: Denver
Analysis: Perfect pick to fall to Denver. The Jaamal Williams experiment has not worked this year, and Denver continues to get run all over against. AFC West all has some powerful runners, so stopping the run will be a major focus this offseason. Denver must upgrade the defensive line, and not by spending dumb money on free-agents like Jarvis Moss. Dareus is a very large man, and can play at a NT in a 3-4 base defense.
Optional Picks:
– Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska (With Champ Bailey at 32 years of age, and noone across from him of Prince’s caliber, Denver would be smart to lock up one of the top 2 corners of the draft);
– Nate Solder, OL, Colorado (McDaniels was schooled by Bellichick, so trading out of this pick and snagging the top OL of the draft would not be a bad scenario. Denver’s interior OL is downright bad)
Team Needs: DL, OL, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Demaryius Thomas (22nd pick) (Grade: B-)
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#6 Pick: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska Team: Dallas
Analysis: The Cowboys secondary is terrible, and Jerry Jones will be targeting this area of his team early. Prince Amukamara is one of the best shut-down corner prospects in the draft, and maybe a stretch at #6 overall, but Dallas really needs a new corner.
Optional Picks:
– AJ Green, WR, Georgia (Jerry Jones has publicly said he made a mistake passing on Randy Moss… would he do the same again on a near duplicate? Having Green with Dez Bryant and Miles would be the best WR trio in the 2011 season. I can hear Tony Romo loving this pick);
– Nate Solder, OT, Colorado (Dallas desperately needs to protect Tony Romo in the future, getting a blue chip tackle in the draft would be very smart)
Team Needs: CB, OL, DE
2010 Rd1 pick: Dez Bryant (24th pick) (Grade: A-)
#7 Pick: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas Team: Arizona
Analysis: After the recent blow up on camera of Derek Anderson, I think Coach Wisenhunt and the Cardinal GM are at their last strings. They need a franchise quarterback to throw to the insanely talented Fitzgerald, but also someone that can lead a team. Max Hall could be a great story, but I don’t see him as being a “franchise” quarterback, so Arizona should look for one early in this draft.
Optional Picks:
– Jake Locker, QB, Washington (Jake could have been the first overall pick in the 2010 draft had he declared but decided to come back to Washington. If Wisenhunt is not in love with Ryan Mallett and his supposed character/learning issues, then the coach might pull the trigger on the highly talented Locker. One hit against Locker, is he does not look NFL ready, and Arizona needs a signal caller now!)
– Nate Solder, OT, Colardo (Is Max Hall the undrafted Arizona hometown boy the QB of the future? If Arizona is willing to give him a year to progress under center, then having the best tackle to protect his blind side would be a smart idea, especially with the area being hit by free agency this upcoming offseason)
Team Needs: QB, OT, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Dan Williams (26th pick) (Grade: C+)
#8 Pick: AJ Green, WR, Georgia Team: Cleveland
Analysis: AJ Green dropping out of the top 5 AND Cleveland getting their biggest need, wow! I can hear President Holmgren just cheering in his office. Colt McCoy wasn’t the solution at Quarterback, but now that he is panning out, finding him a stud offensive weapon will be high on the Browns ‘to-do’ list. Colt will now have a full year to show what he is all about with some more offense options around him.
Optional Picks:
– Nate Solder, OL, Colorado (Continuing to upgrade the OL would be smart since the RG and RT positions could both use help next year. Getting Solder to be the RT, would give the Browns probowl caliber tackles for the next decade)
– Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (Getting Quinn this late is a steal, since he should be a potential top 5 pick if not suspended this season. Quinn would work well in the new 3-4 defense that Cleveland is transitioning to)
Team Needs: OL, DL, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Joe Haden (7th pick) (Grade: B)
#9 Pick: Jake Locker, QB, Washington Team: San Francisco
Analysis: San Francisco, how do I start with this pick? I really thought Troy Smith was a good off-season pickup for SF, but I don’t see him anymore as anything more than a #2 QB. With that being said, Jake Locker could have been the top pick in last years draft, but dropping in this years draft due to lack of team/individual performances. Locker is one freak athlete though, and a much better mobile quarterback than Alex Smith ever was in college. Finding a quarterback of the future is very important for the York ownership.
Optional Picks:
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (Am I really putting Newton in the top 10? Well, after the impressive comeback victory he staged over Alabama, the Newton train is in full effect. SF needs a quarterback of the future, since Alex Smith is now a flop, and Troy Smith seems to be nothing more than a good #2)
– Stephan Paea, DT, Oregon State (Franklin was relunctant to sign the franchise tag, so the DL could use a young upgrade. Paea has been a beast in the middle of the defensive line in the PAC-10 this year. He would fit in well quickly)
– Drake Nevis, DT, LSU (Since Im thinking DL could be a very potential option for SF this offseason, Nevis will be right up there in the talks with the best of the defensive linemen left at this point. Nevis is having a very impressive season in the SEC this year with a ton of TFL’s)
Team Needs: QB, CB, DL, OLB
2010 Rd1 pick: Anthony Davis (11th pick) (Grade: B)
#10 Pick: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn Team: Minnesota
Analysis: Brett Favre is gone, and Tavaris Jackson is a free agent, AND there is new ownership and coaching in town! Time to get a franchise quarterback. Minnesota snags the best quarterback left on the board. Cam Newtons’s draft stock is skyrocketing lately, and could definitely be picked in the first round of the 2011 draft. Minnesota if not sold for Cam Newton after combine, senior bowl, and workouts… then they might want to trade up to go after Ryan Mallett/Jake Locker. Bringing in a franchise quarterback will help sell tickets, and keep the Vikings in Minnesota… IF that is what the owners even want to do.
Optional Picks:
– Jake Locker, QB, Washington (Could Locker and Newton go back to back in the 2011 NFL draft? Very likely if the draft order stays the same. Minnesota and San Francisco will both be vying for on the second tier QB’s in this draft (after Andrew Luck, Ryan Mallett))
– Nate Solder, OT, Colorado (If none of the QB’s impress the new coach at this point, then they might go searching in the later rounds for future signal caller. Grabbing the top tackle would be a smart upgrade for the rebuilding process)
Team Needs: QB, OL, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Chris Cook (2nd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: B)
#11 Pick: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami Team: New England (From trade: Oakland)
Analysis: The defensive line needs to be upgraded, and Allen Bailey has huge upside. Belichick regrets passing on Odrick in the draft last year, and should be focusing on the defensive line this year. As we always see though, Patriots will probably trade out of this pick, therefore probably targeting Ingram. But, picking here, Bailey fills the biggest need, with the best option on the board for the team’s system.
Optional Picks:
– Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama (Passing on a future franchise RB might be hard for Belichick to do, even though the Patriots offense has continued to move effectively even after Randy Moss being traded, and working with some “no-name” RBs)
– Janoris Jenkins, CB, Miami (Another teammate at Miami, Patriots could look to continue drafting studs into the secondary. I think there is a 1% chance in this pick, as I see Jenkins dropping stock at the combine due to smaller size and lack of strength. Patriots will want a contributor to the special teams from Day #1).
Team Needs: CB, DL, LB, RB
2010 Rd1 pick: Devin McCoutry (27th pick) (Grade: B+)
#12 Pick: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU Team: Tennessee
Analysis: Will Tennessee be able to bring Albert Haynesworth back next season? I see it as being a possibility, but even so, Drake Devin would be a great pick for Tennessee. His stock is skyrocketing lately, and has an impressive motor, perfect for a DT/DE in Tennessee’s 4 man front.
Optional Picks:
– Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State (Although I have Paea rated higher as a DT, I think Nevis would be a beast on the Tennessee line with insane speed)
– Janoris Jenkins, CB, Miami (Finnegan has gotten some negative publicity as of late, but is a decent corner. Having someone opposite of him, would greatly improve the pass rush in a league where Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub tear apart defenses)
Team Needs: QB, LB, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Derrick Morgan (16th pick) (Grade: C)
#13 Pick: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Miami Team: Houston
Analysis: Houston would love to get another shutdown corner opposite of Kareem Jackson, and Janoris Jenkins might just be that guy. HE should have a good combine, and therefore get more attention closer to draft time, but none the less I still have him ranked the 3rd CB in the draft, and the best one still available at this point.
Optional Picks:
– Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA (Upgrading the weakside linebacker positon would be great for Houston to do, and Ayers brings a ton of versitilty to the linebacking corp. Not only can Ayers rush, but he is above average in coverage and a team captain)
– Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State (Defensive tackles have not been great for Houston this year, and getting Paea would be a smart move. He is an immoveable beast)
Team Needs: DL, CB, Safety
2010 Rd1 pick: Kareem Jackson (20th pick) (Grade: B-)
#14 Pick: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama Team: Washington
Analysis: Wow, Ingram drops all the way to #14, AND gets past New England Patriots. Washington, and Dan Snyder have to be licking their lips right here. Although, a top WR would be perfect for McNabb, the uncertainty of Portis being back next year, could signal getting Ingram. He is a stud running back who can run between the tackles or break it outside with speed. In the NFC East, having a 4 quarter RB would be a good thing to have, especially with McNabb’s mobility declining.
Optional Picks:
– Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburg (Getting a top flight WR will be essential to the success of the offense next year. Galloway is not the answer, and Donovan McNabb needs a consistent body to throw to)
– Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (Secondary WR choice would be Julio Jones, IF Snyder is smart. Jones is definitely the sexier pick, so Washington might end up with this pass receiver, but I believe Jones’ hands are not nearly as good as Baldwin, and both are about the same size)
Team Needs: WR, OL, Defense
2010 Rd1 pick: Trent Williams (4th pick) (Grade: B)
#15 Pick: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina Team: Seattle
Analysis: Seattle really lucks out on this pick. Their pass rush is horrible this year, so upgrading this area is essential to future success, especially with Sam Bradford showing so much promise in the division. Quinn could have been a top 5 pick, if not suspended this season, so getting him here would be a steal, and fill a huge need.
Optional Picks:
– Nate Solder, OT, Colorado (Upgrading the offensive line would be smart for Pete Carroll. Two tackles could leave in free agency, and Okung is progressing slowely due to injuries)
– Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (One of the most impressive pass rushing OLB will get a look from Seattle as they must upgrade their pass rush this off season. Von Miller has been hurt some in 2010 season, but still is an impressive prospect at the position)
Team Needs: DL, OL, QB
2010 Rd1 pick: Russell Okung (6th pick) (Grade: B)
#16 Pick: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburg Team: St. Louis
Analysis: St. Louis has found a sleeper WR in Alexander, but finding Bradford a legitimate #1 receiver will be high on the priority list. Baldwin has continued an effective campaign this year, even with a mediocre QB throwing the ball to him.
Optional Picks:
– Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (The Rams need to get Bradford a legit #1 receiver, and if they do not think that Jonathan Baldwin is the answer, then they will look also at Julio Jones)
– Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue (Finding a DE opposite of Chris Long of the caliber of Kerrigan would almost be too good to be true. With a senior campaign where Kerrigan has lived behind the line of scrimmage, he is one of the best DE’s left on the board)
Team Needs: WR, DL CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Sam Bradford (1st pick) (Grade: A)
#17 Pick: Nate Solder, OL, Colorado Team: Indianapolis
Analysis: Indy sneaks away here with the top OT pick in this years draft, and getting him this late in the first round will help financially. Peyton needs protection, because even he cannot work laying on his back, and they must protect their investment.
Optional Picks:
– Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston College (Castonzo’s draft stock is soaring late this season, so if Indy is thinking of going OL then they might look in this direction)
– Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (If Julio Jones drops this far, then Indy would have a hard time passing him up. Peyton is looking for a young legit #1 to be the heir apparent to Reggie Wayne. With the off-field practice available with Peyton, Julio’s hand problems shouldn’t be an issue)
Team Needs: OL, WR, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Jerry Hughes (31st pick) (Grade: C-)
#18 Pick: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech Team: Miami
Analysis: With Ingram gone alredy, Miami focuses on the next premier RB of the draft class. Ryan Williams has the size and strength to be an every down runner. With Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams both free agents this off season, RB is a definite concern for the Miami front office.
Optional Picks:
– Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama (Miami really needs a franchise QB since Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are both free agents in 2011. Miami could make a move, to move up in the draft to grab Mark Ingram, kind of what San Diego Chargers did in the 2010 draft.
– Rahim Moore, S, UCLA (Miami picks up the top ball hawking safety in the draft with this pick. Definitely an upgrade over the current safety options that Miami has right now. Rahim Moore could be drafted higher, like Berry last year, if not on such a bad team like UCLA)
Team Needs: RB, OG, QB, S
2010 Rd1 pick: Jared Odrick( 28th pick) (Grade: C-)
#19 Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue Team: Jacksonville
Analysis: Kerrigan has made a habit this year of living in the opponett’s backfield, and wrecking havok on the QBs. Although, he does not have premiere height/weight for a DE, I think his motor/heart justifies this high of a pick. Jacksonville desperately needs to get a pass rush from it’s defensive line.
Optional Picks:
– Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa (Clayborn is one of the top DE left on the board and depending on his combine could be the pick for Jacksonville, as they need a defensive end badly)
– Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St (After a potential top 5 pick in the 2010 NFL draft, Heyward take a slip down the draft this year due to lack of production)
Team Needs: DL, Safety, LB
2010 Rd1 pick: Tyson Alualu (10th pick) (Grade: B+)
#20 Pick: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal Team: San Diego
Analysis: Chargers need to find a WR, but Jacques Cesaire is a free agent, and he needs to be replaced. Cameron Jordan is one of the top 3-4 DE prospects in the nation. Upgrading the front 7 will be a smart move for AJ Smith and the San Diego Chargers.
Optional Picks:
– Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame (AJ Smith loves big wide receivers, and with Malcom Floyd a free-agent, and Vincent Jackson almost 100% gone, the Chargers will be looking to give Philip Rivers a #1 receiver early in the draft)
– Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston College (Right tackle Jerome Clary is a free agent next year, and has never really been that good. Locking down one of the top tackles in this draft, after extending McNeill’s contract, would protect a lot of money invested into Rivers until 2015)
Team Needs: DE, WR, OL
2010 Rd1 pick: Ryan Mathews (12th pick) (Grade: B-)
#21 Pick: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Ohio St Team: Tampa Bay
Analysis: After getting McCoy to solidify the interior defensive line in last years draft, Tampa Bay looks again to the defensive line, but this time for a pass rushing DE. Clayborn is a powerful DL, and explodes well off the ball. Having him paired with McCoy for years to come, will greatly improve Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes.
Optional Picks:
– Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston College (Drafting this stud tackle would help the Buccaneers make the next step to being a legitimate team. Castonzo’s play is making him one of the best tackles in the nation, and if he can be had at the 21st spot, it would be a steal)
– Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (Tampa Bay’s offense has been decent this year, but if they have the option to snag Julio in the draft, they might just do it. Injury has really hurt his production this year, and therefore falling out of the top 10, possibly top 5)
Team Needs: DE, OL, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Gerald McCoy (3rd pick) (Draft: A-)
#22 Pick: Jeremy Beal, OLB, Oklahoma Team: NY Giants
Analysis: With free agency and age hindering the NY Giants LB corp, Coughlin gets a young stud pass rusher with this pick. Jason Pierre-Paul has shown flashes of light, but projects more as a DL than an OLB, so getting a true OLB would be crucial to off-season plans of the Giants. Beal has a little more prototypical size advantages than Oklahoma teammate Travis Lewis, who could also be a pick here.
Optional Picks:
– Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston College (Getting an offensize lineman early in the 2011 draft will be important to Coughlin, although I see him addressing the front 7 of the defense)
– Marvin Austin, DL, North Carolina (After getting a rough suspension for the season, Austin’s draft stock took a huge hit. The front seven of the Giants defense could use some help, and getting Austin wouldn’t hurt)
Team Needs: DL, OT, CB, LB
2010 Rd1 pick: Jason Pierre-Paul (15th pick) (Grade: B-)
#23 Pick: Mike Pouncey, Center, Florida Team: Kansas City
Analysis: Pittsburg is crying here with this pick, as they would love to have the Pouncey brothers on their offensive line. But Kansas City, needs to upgrade the interior of their offensive line, especially at center, and Mike Pouncey looks like a blue chip center. Little bit of a reach here for an interior offensive lineman, but Pioli understand how to rebuild a team… smart draft picks.
Optional Picks:
– Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma (Could the two LB’s from Oklahoma go back to back? Hard to decide which one is better, but I think either way is a great solution. Having Lewis opposite of the Hali would be an amazing pass rushing duo)
– Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (If Julio drops this far, Pioli has to be thinking about putting him beside Bowe. Be an impressive WR duo, and now Cassel would not have any more excuses)
Team Needs: OLB, Center, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Eric Berry (5th pick) (Grade: A-)
#24 Pick: Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston Coll. Team: Philadelphia
Analysis: 2nd rated offensive tackle gets taken with the 24th pick? Philly is jumping for joy, that Castonzo falls so much. I think it is a product of not only not very many top tier LT in this draft class, and not many teams needing one anyways. Anthony Castonzo stock has risen a ton lately, and Andy Reid will definitely be looking more into this prospect. For someone that is as fast as Michael Vick, he is on his back a lot, and offensive line help would be great.
Optional Picks:
– Gabe Cirimi, OT, Wisconsin (If the Castonzo is not the way that Philly wants to go, then Andy Reid will look at Cirimi who is also a stud of a tackle)
– Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina (Getting an upgrade at the OLB positon would be very good for the Eagles since Ernie Sims is a free agent, although I really think they upgrade the offensive line)
Team Needs: OL, LB, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Brandon Graham (13th pick) (Grade: B+)
#25 Pick: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas Team: Green Bay
Analysis: Woodson is a HOF for sure, but he is getting up in age. Aaron Williams is a ball hawking, hard hitting corner from Texas, that might be rated higher is Texas had done better this year. Either way, he is the top corner left on my board, and therefore I have Green Bay filling a need here.
Optional Picks:
– Demarcus Love, OL, Arkansas (Green Bay needs to get back to ground and pound in the running game, and getting new life on the offensive line would help. Love is a big boy, that needs a little work, but can be a great journey man tackle)
– LaMichael James, RB, Oregon (Here is another one of my sleeper picks. With injuries riddling the running backs of Green Bay this year, they look to draft a change of pace back, while getting a franchise runner of the future)
Team Needs: CB, OL, RB
2010 Rd1 pick: Bryan Buluga (23rd pick) (Grade: B)
#26 Pick: Greg Romeus, DE, Pitt Team: Pittsburg
Analysis: Could this be a better fit? Pittsburg LB’s are absolute animals, but the defensive front line is still lacking. Finding a beast DE to pass rush will be high on the Steelers wish list. Romeus is a home town boy, and perfect fit for the Steelers.
Optional Picks:
– Derek Sherrod, OT, Miss St. (Big Ben needs to have more protection and assuming that Willie Colon, and Tre Essex might not be back in 2011, getting a top OL is a smart move)
– Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Getting a youth infusion into the secondary would be a great idea, and Brandon Harris is a good value pick here at 26)
Team Needs: DE, OT, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Maurkice Pouncey (18th pick) (Grade: B+)
#27 Pick: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama Team: Chicago
Analysis: How does Julio Jones fall this much?!? Well, for starters he has had issues holding onto the ball and has been hurt. Both of which have hurt his draft stock this year, because he was seen last year as a definite top 10 pick. Chicago fills a huge need with getting Jay Cutler a true #1 receiver, and do so at a reasonable price.
Optional Picks:
– Alex Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St (If Blackmon declares for the 2011 draft, I think that Chicago might consider him over Julio Jones who sometimes has issues dropping passes, which Blackmon does not have an issue with)
– Derek Sherrod, OL, Miss St (Jay Cutler has been on his back more than they would like this year, so upgrading his offensive line would be a smart investment. Note, picking an offensive tackle over a wide receiver, would be the smartest choice, but passing on Julio Jones might be foolish)
Team Needs: WR, OL, DL
2010 Rd1 pick: Major Wright (3rd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: B)
#28 Pick: DeAndre McDaniels, SS, Clemson Team: Baltimore
Analysis: Ed Reed… one of the most important safeties to ever play the game… but, he is getting old. Baltimore needs to draft a replacement for Ed Reed, and I think DeAndre McDaniels will get the nod. He is not as fluid in coverage as say Duenta Williams, but he brings the heavy hit stick, like Ed Reed did, which is why I think they choose McDaniels. I really think the Ravens either target a Safety or Corner in the first round this year.
Optional Picks:
– Duenta Williams, SS, North Carolina (If McDaniels continues to slip down the draft, Baltimore might look to a different solution for Ed Reed’s heir)
– Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virgina (Dowlings stock has taken a hit this year, as last year he would have been rated a top 10-15 pick in this years draft. Ravens definitely need a new corner though, so they will be looking for a solution)
Team Needs: CB, Safety, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Sergio Kindle (2nd rounder, first team pick) (Grade: B)
#29 Pick: Marvin Austin, DL, North Carolina Team: New Orleans
Analysis: New Orleans does not have very many glaring holes, but the defensive line could use some upgrading. Picking Marvin Austin would give the Saints an impressive DT that could have been drafted much higher this year, had he not been suspended.
Optional Picks:
– Duenta Williams, SS, North Carolina (Saints take advantage of their trip to Chapel Hill, but checking out two top prospects still available at positions of need)
– Ryan Boyles, WR, Oklahoma (With Lance Moore being a free agent this year, Drew Brees gets a young replacement slot receiver)
Team Needs: DL, Safety, WR
2010 Rd1 pick: Patrick Robinson (32nd pick) (Grade: B-)
#30 Pick: Orlando Franklin, OG, Miami Team: New England
Analysis: Not the sexiest pick, but with Logan Mankin probably not back and another retirement, the interior of the Patriot’s OL needs to be upgraded. Franklin is a true road mauler, and has great character with passion for the game. Sounds like a Belichick pick for sure.
Optional Picks:
– Brandon Burton, CB, Utah (Finding shut down corners is what Belichick strives for. After finding a winner in McCourty last year, and getting Burton this year, the secondary should be set for years to come and grow.
– Quan Sturdivant, ILB, North Carolina (Getting the best inside linebacker in the draft is an attractive option for Belichick. Mayo has done well inside, but Sturdivant would be a good addition next to him for years to come)
Third option- Patriots trade out of this pick (most likely option)
Team Needs: CB, DL, LB, RB
2010 Rd1 pick: Devin McCoutry (27th pick) (Grade: B+)
#31 Pick: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame Team: Atlanta
Analysis: Tony Gonzalez won’t be around forever, and has even mentioned he might be retiring after this year. If so, Matt Ryan will need a top-flight pass catching TE, and it just so happens the #1 rated TE is left on the board. Atlanta fills a need here for the future, and gets a truly impressive young TE.
Optional Picks:
– Gabe Cirimi, OT, Wisconsin (Upgrading the offensive line is never a bad idea, and Atlanta would be a very good one with this pick)
– Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia (Dropping in stock lately this season, but still a big physical corner. Wouldn’t hurt to have another one in this division)
Team Needs: OL, TE, CB
2010 Rd1 pick: Sean Witherspoon (19th pick) (Grade: B-)
#32 Pick: DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio St Team: NY Jets
Analysis: Almost all of the Jets WR’s are free agents next year, so they look to grab one of the best WR left in the draft with this pick. I see them going with a speed guy, so Posey could be the pick, but if they wanted a big body, they could go with Hankerson from Miami, or Blackmon from Ok St.
Optional Picks:
– Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma (Jason Taylor is getting older, and getting some youth into the pass rush would definitely help the Jets secondary. Lewis is a smart player that plays fast and rough, perfect for Rex Ryan)
– Quinton Carter, Safety, Oklahoma (Starting Jets safety goes down with an odd shin injury… could he be gone for good? Drafting a stud safety in the draft wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Super Bowl winners)
Team Needs: WR, OLB, FS
2010 Rd1 pick: Kyle Wilson (29th pick) (Grade: C)
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